### United States Attorney

The United States Attorney serves as the principal federal public official responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the federal government. They are appointed officials who represent the United States federal government in United States district courts and United States courts of appeals.

#### Appointment and Structure

United States Attorneys are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. Each United States Attorney serves at the discretion of the President and is typically appointed for a term of four years, with the possibility of reappointment. The Office of the United States Attorney was established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, but the modern role has been shaped significantly by legislation in the twentieth century.

The United States has 94 judicial districts, including at least one district in each state, as well as districts in territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia. Each judicial district has its own United States Attorney, who is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the district.

#### Responsibilities

The responsibilities of United States Attorneys involve the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the federal government; the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and the collection of debts owed to the federal government which are administratively uncollectible.

In criminal law, United States Attorneys are tasked with prosecuting federal crimes that occur within their dedicated districts. This includes the prosecution of a wide range of offenses including but not limited to terrorism, public corruption, financial fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, and civil rights violations.

In the civil sector, the United States Attorneys' duties include representing the United States in legal disputes, defending the government in governmental actions, and initiating proceedings to enforce federal laws and regulations.

#### Relation to the Department of Justice

United States Attorneys report to the Attorney General of the United States and are part of the United States Department of Justice. At the Department of Justice, there is an office specifically devoted to overseeing the policies and performance of the 94 U.S. Attorneys' offices—the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. This office was established in 1953 to provide a cohesive bond between the individual U.S. Attorneys and the policies of the Attorney General.

Within the Department of Justice, United States Attorneys assist with the formulation of policies and the improvement of the role and function of the Department of Justice by participating in various committees and working groups.

#### Role in the Judicial System

The role of the United States Attorney as a prosecutor sets them distinctly in a central position within the federal judicial system of the United States. They have the authority to decide which criminal cases to pursue, which individuals to charge, what charges to file, and the priorities in resources allocation. Their decisions have a profound impact on ensuring justice, maintaining public safety, and enforcing laws uniformly and effectively across the United States.

#### Conclusion

In summary, United States Attorneys play a pivotal role in the administration of justice at the federal level in the United States. As the chief federal law enforcement officers in their respective districts, their role encompasses advising federal law enforcement agents, prosecuting federal offenders, and representing the United States in legal proceedings. This position embodies the prosecution arm of the federal judiciary, bridging the enforcement of federal laws with the interests of public policy and the overall mandate of the executive branch of the government.